The Urgent Call to Reject NASA's Disastrous FY 2026 Budget Proposal

The Planetary Society Responds to NASA's Proposed Cuts

On May 30, 2025, The Planetary Society issued a compelling statement condemning the proposed FY 2026 budget from the White House for NASA, referring to it as a "retreat" and "a narrowing of ambition." This statement comes in stark contrast to the vision of exploration and scientific achievement that many had anticipated, particularly those who grew up with the aspirations embodied in iconic series like Star Trek.

This budget proposal, if approved, would mark the lowest funding level for NASA since 1961, effectively undermining the agency’s invaluable contributions to scientific research—a cornerstone of national pride and capability that affects nearly 87% of congressional districts across the United States.

Key Concerns Raised

• Ambition and Vision: The budget demonstrates an alarming retreat from NASA’s legacy of high ambition and innovation. Critics assert that it embodies a defeatist attitude, suggesting that the nation can't lead in space exploration or collaborate with international partners.
• Wasted Investment: The proposal threatens to squander billions of taxpayer dollars by terminating productive missions such as OSIRIS-APEX and projects making significant discoveries in outer space, including Juno and New Horizons. In total, 41 science projects may face cancellation, impacting a significant portion of NASA's scientific endeavors.
• Lack of Consultation: Reports indicate that neither NASA nor its newly nominated Administrator were consulted during the budget drafting process, raising questions about the strategic planning behind this budget. The absence of a National Space Council exacerbates concerns about the direction and purpose of the proposed cuts.
• Contradiction to Presidential Promises: The budget directly contradicts President Trump’s stated commitment to maintaining America's leadership in space exploration, effectively risking significant ground lost internationally and jeopardizing the economic stability that NASA fosters.

A Call to Action

The Planetary Society firmly believes in the importance of a robust space program that serves not only as an emblem of national pride but also as a global collaborative platform. They are leading an initiative to gather widespread public support against the proposed cuts through a petition directed at Congress.

The proposed budget cuts threaten to undermine over a decade of scientific progress and investment, with some missions possibly being irrecoverable. As the path ahead for NASA grows increasingly precarious, voices from across the nation are coming together to demand better support for space exploration and scientific discovery.

For those who aspire to contribute to the continued exploration of our Solar System and beyond, The Planetary Society invites individuals to lend their voices to the petition and stay engaged in the mission of advancing space science.

Your role in space exploration could start today. To sign up for updates or participate in this critical movement, further information is available through The Planetary Society's communications.